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Heart disease and type 2 diabetes are often preventable, but Kentucky has the nation’s ninth-highest rate of heart disease and the fifth-highest rate of diabetes. Plus, many Kentuckians have pre-diabetes but don’t know it.

A team at the University of Kentucky (UK) is leading a health study called “Heart of the Family” to help people learn to reduce their risk for these illnesses, and they’re inviting participants in Lincoln County and other counties to join.

“Heart of the Family” participants receive:

• Eight one-on-one, personalized health education sessions based on their risk factors and health. The sessions are over Zoom—no travel required.
• Free screenings to check health measurements such as blood pressure and cholesterol. Screenings can be done in your home community (we’ll come to you!) or at an off-campus UK office.
• Gift card for participation.

You may be eligible to participate if you:

• Are at least 18 years old.
• Do not have heart disease or diabetes.
• Live in one of these Kentucky counties: Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Casey, Clark, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Mercer, Pulaski, Scott, Woodford.
• Have two or more risk factors: Family history of heart disease or diabetes; Personal history of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); Little or no exercise; Unhealthy diet; High blood pressure; High cholesterol; Elevated blood sugar; Stress; Depression; Overweight; Cigarette smoker. 

Some participants will be invited to have a friend or family member join with them as a “study buddy,” so make sure you have someone willing to participate with you. They can participate even if they have diabetes or heart disease. Study buddies will receive the same benefits listed above.

Participants should be willing to complete eight virtual health education sessions, share health information with the study team, and have blood drawn. All your information will be kept completely confidential, just like in regular medical care.

If you’re interested in learning more or joining, people can contact Emily Cravens, MPH, at emcravens@uky.edu or 859-218-6827.